Teen & Adolescent Therapy in Los Angeles
Adolescence can be intense—for teens and for parents. I’m Dr. Jené Verchick, Psy.D., a Los Angeles clinical psychologist.
Growing up in Los Angeles presents a unique set of challenges. Between the academic pressure of competitive schools, the constant influence of social media, and the complex social dynamics of modern teen life, it’s easy for adolescents to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or misunderstood.
Teen therapy provides a private, non-judgmental space where adolescents can process their experiences, build self-awareness, and develop the tools they need to navigate these formative years.
Most teens are hesitant to start therapy because they expect it to be an hour of being lectured or analyzed by an adult. My approach is different. I am direct and clinical, but I am also a real person.
I don't just sit back and nod; I stay engaged. I create an environment where teens actually feel heard and respected. Even when we are working through serious topics, I strive to make sessions productive and grounded—and yes, sometimes even fun. When therapy feels like a conversation rather than a chore, real growth happens.
If you or your teen is in crisis, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Support for modern adolescent and teenage challenges
With over 22 years of experience as a psychologist, I work with teens to address the issues that feel the most pressing right now:
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Anxiety & Academic Pressure: Managing the "perfectionism" and burnout that often comes with high-pressure school environments.
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Depression & Mood Shifts: Helping teens find their way back to themselves when they feel disconnected, flat, or irritable.
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Social Media & Identity: Navigating the impact of digital life on self-esteem and discovering who they are outside of a screen.
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Relationship & Family Friction: Improving communication at home and helping teens navigate the ups and downs of friendships.
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Life Transitions: Preparing for the big shift from high school to college or early adulthood.
The parent-psychologist partnership
While the therapy space is confidential for the teen, I believe in supporting the family unit. I provide parents with the insight needed to better understand their teen’s world, helping to bridge the gap and reduce the friction at home. We work together to ensure your teen feels supported both in and out of the office.
Testimonials
"Living in LA, the pressure on these kids to be perfect is relentless. Our son was spiraling from school stress and constant overthinking. Dr. Verchick was exactly the grounded presence he needed. She helped him untangle his worth from his grades, and she did it without the sessions feeling like 'more work' for him. He actually comes home from therapy with a smile." — Parent of a High School Junior
"I was in a really dark place where everything just felt heavy and pointless. I’ve seen other therapists who just sat there and said 'how does that make you feel,' but Jené actually talks to you. She helped me find my way back to feeling like myself again. She’s real with you, and she made me feel like I wasn’t crazy for feeling the way I did." — L., Age 18
"It’s hard to explain to adults how much social media messes with your head, but Dr. Verchick totally gets it. She helped me figure out who I actually am away from my phone and the 'perfection' everyone else is posting. Our sessions are productive, but they're also just a place where I can breathe and be honest without being judged." — M., Age 15
"Every conversation with our daughter used to turn into an argument. Working with Dr. Verchick didn't just help our child; it helped us as a family. Jené is so engaged and direct—she helped us bridge that communication gap that felt impossible to cross. The 'vibe' at home has shifted from constant tension to actual conversation. We are so grateful." — Parent of a 14-year-old
"I was terrified about graduation and the 'what comes next' part of my life. Dr. Verchick helped me navigate that transition without losing my mind. She’s professional but also just really easy to talk to. She made me feel prepared instead of just panicked. I honestly don't think I would have handled moving away for college as well as I did without our sessions." — J., College Freshman
Credentials & Training
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Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology – California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles
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M.A. in Clinical Psychology – California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles
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M.A. in Child, Adolescent, and Family Therapy – University of Southern California
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B.A. in Psychology – University of Arizona
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Licensed Psychologist in California
Contact Dr. Verchick
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To learn more about how Dr. Verchick can help you please contact me directly.